USPTO Patents Application 10680506

MLP 7235
PATENT

AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION :

Please replace paragraph [0022] currently on record with the following
amended paragraph:

[0022] First, second, third and fourth obstruction detection devices
(indicated generally at 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D) are mounted on the gantry press 14 for
detecting obstructions O in the path of the gantry press. Each detection device 56
detects all obstructions O (see Figs. 3-5) entering a vertical detection plane 58 at
substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry 18 prior to the
obstruction being struck by the gantry. The vertical detection plane 58 is defined at
least in part in the illustrated embodiment by an outer surface of a detection plate 62
located a predetermined distance from the gantry 18 and generally perpendicular to the
path movement of the gantry press 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection
plate 62 has a height of approximately 24 inches and a width of approximately 9 inches.
The plate 62 extends down in close proximity to the floor for detecting any obstructions
near the floor that would not pass under the side portions 20,22. It will be understood
that the detection plane 58 can be defined otherwise than by a single plate 62. For
example, spaced apart plates or sensors (not shown) lying in the same plane could
define the detection plane. That some parts of a structure defining the detection plane
might not be coplanar would not remove the structure from the scope of the present
invention. Furthermore, the vertical detection plane 58 of each detection device [[56]]
56(A-D) is generally in alignment with a respective one of the side portions 20,22 of the
gantry. A wing extension 64 is attached to the detection plate 62 for shielding the span
between the detection plate and the gantry side portion 20,22. Conventional devices,
such as an electric eye, can be used to detect obstructions on the table top.

Please replace paragraph [0024] currently on record with the following
amended paragraph:

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MLP 7235
PATENT

[0024] Referring to Figs. 2-5, a fragment of the gantry press 14 of Fig. 1
is shown with the first and second obstruction detection devices 56A, 56B in extended
positions outwardly from the forward and rearward ends of the first gantry side portion
20. The detection plate 62 of each detection device is mounted by a linkage (generally
indicated at 82) in the form of a pair of rods 84, 86 on the first side portion 20 of the
gantry 18. The rods 84,86 are mounted on the first side portion 20 in vertically spaced
relation using slide bushings 88. As a result, the pair of rods 84, 86 support the plate
62 on the gantry 1 8 for substantially linear movement relative to the gantry. The upper
rod 84 is pivotally attached to an upper end 90 of a lever arm 92. (See Figs. 4 and 5).
A lower end 94 of the lever arm is pivotally mounted on the first side portion 20. A
spring 96, attached to the lever arm 92 and to an inner wall 98 of the first gantry side
portion 20, biases the lever arm 92 and thus the upper rod 84, detection plate 62 and
lower rod 86 to the extended position (Fig. 4). Accordingly, the first detection device
56A is resilient for yielding when engaged by an obstruction O and automatically
returning the vertical detection plane 58 of the detection plate 62 to the predetermined
distance from the gantry 18 when the obstruction is removed. It is to be understood
that the resiliency of the first detection device 56A may be obtained in ways other than
the use of a spring mechanism without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The lower end 94 of the lever arm 92 is pivotally connected to an electrical
switch 100. The switch is a conventional limit switch of suitable size and type.
However, those of ordinary skill in the [[are]]_art will appreciate that other forms of
switches or sensors may be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention.

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